The new GTV signalled the right step, then the 156 stormed the world and beat the BMW in many contests. The new generation models are no longer rebodied version of Fiat is models. Apart from the unique styling, packaging and tuned, they have more fundamental differences. For example, the GTV has new multi-link rear suspension; the 156 has double wishbones in front; both of them has the unique twin-spark engine with displacement unique to other family members of Super Fire.

The company located in Portello district of Milan. Because it involved too many other business, including machine tools and military equipment, car division was not very famous until the 20 s, when Alfa Romeo created a string of sports cars masterpieces - 6C1750, 6C2300, 8C2300, 8C2900 series. These cars employed advanced technology including hemi-sphere combustion chamber, dohc and superchargers, in addition to the fabulous styling and superb craftsmanship, no wonder classic car collectors regard the pre-war days as the golden period of the company. In days before Ferrari appeared, Alfa Romeo could be described as the most prestigeous sports car brand. Not as elegant as Bugatti but certainly quicker. The Grand Prix team, once ran by Enzo Ferrari, made parallel success on race track. 
 

8C2900B

Alfa never went bankrupt again because since 1933 it was owned by the Italian government, via a state-owned company. However, after the war the government s policy changed and wanted Alfa to go mass production at the Milan plant and the new plant at Naples, southern Italy (called "Alfasud" or Alfa South). A small sedan called 1900 was born and regarded as the first sports sedan. But the state-owned Alfa did not realised the potential of this kind of car which lead to the success of BMW in later years. It was more concentrating on the little Giulietta coupe (designed and bodied by Bertone) which is now regarded as one of the best classic cars like the pre-war models. Its success was repeated by Giulia coupe, much larger in size as well as in sales number. Then came the Duetto roadster which became the evergreen Spider and was featured in Dustin Hoffman s film "The Graduate". 

Duetto 

However, the sedan range was never as successful as the niche models. Giulia sedan (60 is), Alfetta (70 is), Alfasud (70 is), 90, 75 and 33 were not produced in really "mass" amount compare with other mainstream car makers. The Alfasud was to be an ambitious project. It was brilliant concept as a front-drive small hatchback like the still-born VW Golf, but ruined by poor quality control and other problems caused by the bureaucracy within the company. The government no longer wanted to subsidise the loss-making car maker and was finding a new partner. It turned out to be a joint venture with Nissan but was soon discarded. Finally it was sold to local giant Fiat in 1986. 

Fiat axed the rear-drive 90 and 75 and replaced them with the 155 which is nearly a rebodied Fiat Tipo. Platform sharing also spread to other models - 164, 145 / 146. Alfa enthusiasts once thought the company s tradition and character would eventually disappeared, until the arrival of new GTV and 156. Under the leadership of Fiat boss Paolo Cantarella, Alfa gets back its own character and is ready to gun down the mighty BMW ...